Reunion and Connection

After beheading the Hunter, I let the tension drain from my shoulders with a small sigh.

The Hunter was dealt with successfully.

Time to make a swift exit.

Heh, us shippers know how to make a cool exit…

However, just as I was trying to look cool, a voice called out from behind.

"U-um!"

It was the voice of the original protagonist, Riogren.

I hadn't planned on interacting with him much, but…

I turned to face him.

When our eyes met, he averted his gaze slightly. His cheeks were faintly flushed.

… Why?

"Thank you for saving… us. Um, are you from some organization?"

"… No, not particularly. If I had to say, an adventurer."

As always, this mouth of mine can only manage the bare minimum.

I was pretty chatty when dealing with the Hunter, though.

"Do you need something? If not, I'm leaving."

"N-no, it's not that I need something exactly, but…"

Rio seemed like he wanted to say something.

I waited silently for him to continue.

"Um, how can I become as strong as you?"

"… Huh?"

Caught off guard by the unexpected question, I couldn't help but ask back.

"I know it's presumptuous to ask after you just saved us, but… just now, I couldn't protect any of my companions. Not the kind people who followed me, not even my precious childhood friend—not a single one of them. So I want to become strong like you, strong enough to protect everyone! That's why, um…"

"—What you need isn't to learn from me."

After hearing his words, I spoke bluntly.

… No, I would have preferred to say it more gently, but…

"Don't ask me. Face your own soul more deeply. What's your origin? What did you want to accomplish when you gained your Soullight? Is becoming stronger really what you want?"

Well, the only reason I can say all this is because I'm basically cheating with foreknowledge.

But his Soullight definitely isn't limited to mere physical enhancement.

That's not his true nature.

Riogren's soul shines far brighter than that.

"…"

"Well, it's not something you can figure out overnight. Take your time to think about what I said."

With that, I tried to leave once more.

"—Bloom-san. Please wait."

But again, a voice stopped me.

Turning around, I saw Fren standing there.

The moment our eyes met, my feet stopped moving entirely.

She was gazing at me with clear, limpid eyes.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"…"

Several years had passed since I left Fren's side.

Looking at her up close, I could see she had become even more beautiful.

"Are you going to disappear like mist again, just like that time?"

Her eyes seemed slightly wet.

I couldn't help but waver. But despite the turmoil inside, the words that came out were calm as always.

"I accomplished my objective, so I'm just moving on to the next location."

"There you go again, never saying enough… That's your bad habit, you know."

"S-sorry…"

I couldn't argue with being called out for not saying enough, so I apologized honestly.

… No, that's not it.

I want to talk more, but in this body, I really can only manage the bare minimum…

This is bad. Looking at Fren's tear-filled eyes, I can't keep my composure.

"I understand that someone like you, devoted to pursuing your own goals, can't concern yourself with others forever… But. But at least, won't you stay here with us for just a little while?"

"…"

… My own goals?

What is she talking about? My favorite ship observation activities?

No, I certainly don't remember telling Fren about that.

I really don't understand…

While I was puzzling over this, tears began welling up in Fren's eyes.

I hurriedly moved my mouth.

"A-alright. I'll stay here for a while."

"Really!?"

Fren's face lit up with a bright smile.

So dazzling… my favorite character's smile is so dazzling…

But I'd rather she show that smile to her companions, not me.

As a shipper, I want to see her getting along with Gil.

… Well, I can't refuse when Fren asks like this.

And so, contrary to my original plans, I ended up traveling with my favorite character.

 

＊　＊　＊

 

The moment they reunited, what filled Fren Crael's heart was an overwhelming emotion.

"Ugh…"

When Fren regained consciousness after collapsing, her vision was filled with pure white mist.

It was an eerie mist that could make anyone feel uneasy.

But Fren knew this mist. She knew the person who controlled it.

It was the mist that had saved her that day, that time.

"B-Bloom-san…?"

On shaking legs, she managed to stand and stagger toward the presence she sensed.

"F-Fren-chan, you shouldn't be walking yet! The poison hasn't worn off at all, has it!?"

That was probably Laura-san, who had been healing me.

Her voice came from behind.

Indeed, her body felt abnormally heavy, and her head was fuzzy.

But she had to go.

If she didn't go, that person would disappear like mist again.

"Laura-san, I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine."

"You don't look fine at all! … Geez, both Gil-kun and Fren-chan, you're injured so please just stay still!"

Despite her complaints, Laura lent Fren her shoulder.

The sounds of battle echoed from beyond the mist.

Eventually, when those sounds ceased, the white mist vanished like an illusion.

"…!"

There, standing before her, was the person Fren had been longing to see.

A body so delicate it seemed it might shatter at a touch. An expressionless face that could almost pass for apathetic.

The woman who had guided Fren when she knew nothing of the world.

"—Bloom-san."

Just murmuring that name nearly brought tears spilling from her eyes.

She had thought she might never see her again.

Because she had a certain precariousness to her—like she might die casually, somewhere, without warning.

Of course, Fren had never doubted her strength.

Yet there was always a precariousness to her, as if she might simply breathe her last at any moment.

"—Bloom-san. Please wait."

When Bloom tried to leave, Fren called out to stop her, internally panicking.

That face turned toward her.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"…"

Though years should have passed since they parted, she was unchanged.

Her small stature was the same, even the length of her hair was identical.

It was as if time had stopped for her alone.

"Are you going to disappear like mist again, just like that time?"

"I accomplished my objective, so I'm just moving on to the next location."

"There you go again, never saying enough… That's your bad habit, you know."

"S-sorry…"

That dismissive way of speaking that pushed others away was unchanged too.

But Fren knew well that despite her cold words, her heart was surprisingly warm.

"I understand that someone like you, devoted to pursuing your own goals, can't concern yourself with others forever… But. But at least, won't you stay here with us for just a little while?"

"…"

She knew what Bloom lived for.

To kill her family's murderer.

Once, Bloom had told her.

That like Fren, her family had been killed by someone.

Her Soullight specialized in killing was probably for the sake of revenge.

And the fact that her power hadn't diminished at all meant the flames of her vengeance still burned fiercely.

"…"

Fren stared into Bloom's eyes through the long silence, trying to convey her feelings.

Please, just for now, forget about revenge and rest your body.

As if those feelings had reached her, Bloom eventually sighed in resignation.

"A-alright. I'll stay here for a while."

"Really!?"

To be with Bloom again. To talk with her.

Fren's wish had been granted.

It was only natural that she would show joy in such an unbecoming manner.

 

＊　＊　＊

 

The injuries the protagonist's party sustained from their battle with the Hunter were significant.

Gil had severe bleeding from his arm and damage to his internal organs.

Fren had minor bleeding and weakness from poison.

Rio had numerous stab wounds and bleeding from multiple arrows that had pierced his body.

Only Laura was uninjured.

The Vanguard Church's goal, which the Hunter belonged to, was to bring Laura back.

That's why they couldn't afford to harm her.

However, the fact that only she had escaped unscathed seemed to weigh heavily on Laura.

Laura's healing magic had mostly healed their wounds.

However, healing magic isn't omnipotent.

Lost blood doesn't return, and Rio's severe injuries still weren't completely closed.

After everyone had recovered enough to at least move around, I found myself sitting at a table in the dining hall with them.

"Oh, I'll go get some water."

"Rio shouldn't move too much! I haven't been able to heal all your wounds yet!"

"B-but I'm tired of just sitting still…"

"No buts! Resting quietly is a patient's job! I'll get it, so stay seated!"

Ooh, I get to observe my favorite ship's conversation up this close…!

It's rare for Laura to speak so firmly.

She only gets angry when Rio tries to do something reckless.

She must be worried. About Rio, who would push himself to the breaking point for her sake.

Her stern tone is just the flip side of her kindness.

Rio seems to understand that too, on some level. He looks uncomfortable but stays seated obediently.

Ah, to glean this much from just a brief exchange… observing my favorites really is the best.

Plus, unlike when I was stalk—er, observing them with the 'Death God's Eyes,' I can actually hear their conversations now. What a luxury.

Wait, I don't have to pay for this? Where's the merchandise booth?

"… Bloom-san, you still don't eat much, do you?"

"Yeah. My body is fuel-efficient."

Fren, sitting beside me, spoke to me, so I responded.

Bloom's body never grows, so it doesn't need much food to feel satisfied.

It's a bit sad that the joy of eating has diminished, but I can get unlimited nutrition from observing my favorite ships, so no problem.

"What have you been doing since we parted, Bloom-san?"

"Just normal adventurer work. Mainly bounty hunting requests."

"… So you've been gathering information about your family's killer… no, never mind."

Fren started to say something but trailed off.

Instead, Gil, sitting next to Fren, spoke to me.

"Hey, you're the one they call 'White Fog Death,' right? The one who only takes down notorious bounties."

"Probably."

I don't really know about the title they gave me on their own.

I've just been taking bounty requests that seemed to pay well, so I haven't really paid attention to whether they're "notorious" or not.

Hence, "probably."

Come on, self, that explanation was way too short.

"So, after killing all those people deep in the underworld, what information did you get?"

"Nothing, particularly."

I mean, I haven't been interrogating anyone for information…

Most enemies get confused when I release the mist, and then I just cut off their heads from behind. Done.

There's barely any conversation.

My fight with the Hunter was unusually chatty, actually.

"… I see."

Gil didn't seem very satisfied.

He was probably trying to probe for information I might have.

He's been endlessly searching for who destroyed his homeland.

He's a survivor of the now-fallen Frei Federation.

The Frei Federation had once been torn apart by intense political strife. Amid that chaos, the Republican Party seized power and concluded an unequal treaty with the neighboring Holy Kingdom, ultimately leading to the nation's demise.

The Republican Party had clearly been in league with foreign powers.

But the anti-Holy Kingdom faction opposing them saw their numbers dwindle through successive assassinations and "accidental" deaths, eventually losing even their voting rights as the nation became a complete puppet state of the Holy Kingdom.

Gil had been a member of the resistance in those final days.

Even after the Federation fell despite their efforts, he continued as an outlaw fighting for justice, tirelessly investigating the organizations that had orchestrated his homeland's political collapse.

As I was thinking about this, Gil's sharp eyes pierced me again.

"Hey, do you know anything about the Vanguard Church?"

I felt pressure from Gil.

In response, I gave a light shrug. It seemed he wouldn't be satisfied unless I told him something.

"Like I said, I don't have much information. —But one thing I've learned is that there's apparently a vampire among the Vanguard Church's upper echelons."

"… What?"

The vampire controlling the Vanguard Church was the final boss in the original work.

The vampires that were supposed to have been exterminated in the war three hundred years ago.

She, the sole survivor, has been scheming in the shadows to resurrect her kin.

What bitter irony—the head of the Vanguard Church, which preaches the extermination of other races as its core doctrine, is herself a vampire.

The takeover of Gil's home country, the Federation, was one of her schemes.

"A vampire, those legendary beings…? That can't be… no, but if we assume that, everything makes sense. The Archbishop who never changes generations, the consistent policies, the powerful charisma…"

Gil muttered to himself as he sank into deep thought.

"Gil, you look pale. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

Fren, concerned about the silent Gil, called out to him.

But he only gave a brief response.

… Hey, Fren talked to you, so respond properly!

Gil and Fren are a pair whose distance gradually closes in the original work, one of my favorite ships.

Gil, with his frivolous exterior, and the earnest Fren.

These seeming opposites come to realize through their many adventures that what lies at their cores is surprisingly similar, eventually opening their hearts to each other.

They're still in the early stages, so they probably aren't close yet.

Well, that means I get to watch them grow closer from here, absorbing tons of nutrients.

Bless…

While I was getting emotional on my own, Fren spoke to me with a serious expression.

"Bloom-san. We're all working to investigate the Vanguard Church. For example, I believe the church was behind the bandits who killed my family… That bandit gang that ravaged the kingdom was suspicious in terms of their funding and training."

"And what will you do when you find the source that killed your family, Fren?"

Fren met my eyes and took a sharp breath.

"… I'll stop them. So that no one else like me is ever created. So I can report to my father and mother with pride."

As expected, Fren possesses a fundamentally different mentality from Bloom.

Bloom, who would use any means necessary for revenge against her family's killer, versus Fren, who wants to stop her family's killer and ensure others don't suffer the same fate.

"I see. You're strong, Fren."

Hearing my response, Fren briefly lowered her gaze as if pained, but soon returned to her usual smile.

Rio continued from where Fren left off.

"Laura and I escaped from the Holy Kingdom. Laura was about to be made a sacrifice, so we couldn't stay in our hometown anymore. That's why we have to fight the church."

The Holy Kingdom, where Rio and Laura are from, is a country effectively ruled by the Vanguard Church.

Whatever the church declares black is black, and whatever they declare white is white. In short, it's a country at the final boss's beck and call.

"… Is that really okay with you, Rio?"

It was Laura who spoke quietly.

"The church is only after me, right? If you weren't with me, Rio, you wouldn't need to be involved with the church. Am I wrong?"

Being constantly saved by Rio weighed on Laura.

When they escaped from their hometown, and when they fought the Hunter.

Seeing Rio covered in wounds must have deeply pained her.

However, Rio's resolve was unwavering.

"It's not about necessity. I want to be with you, Laura. If there are hardships, I want to overcome them together. Is that… not okay?"

When Laura met Rio's serious gaze, she turned away, her cheeks red.

"It's… not… not okay…"

AAAAAHHH! They're both pining for each other! Classic mutual crush!

Hah…! That was close—I nearly cried out in excitement.

Watching the exchange between the two childhood friends, Gil sighed with relief and turned back to me.

"Well, basically, we who want to know about the Vanguard Church have aligned interests, so we're working together as adventurers."

Deliberately using a cold word like "interests"—that's so typical of the contrary Gil.

Thinking that, I quietly murmured, "Nice to meet you."

 

＊　＊　＊

 

Recently, I've gotten opportunities to talk with my favorites. It's so blissful it's scary.

"Bloom-chan. Can I ask you about handling Soullight again?"

"Sure, if it's something I know about."

Showing just a hint of nervousness, Laura came to ask me.

She still hasn't gotten used to the cold atmosphere Bloom's body exudes.

Apparently, during the battle with the "Hunter" the other day, Laura keenly felt her own powerlessness.

Lately, she often comes to ask me for guidance like this.

I don't think I'm the right person to advise her, though. My power can only kill, so advising someone with healing powers seems like a bad fit…

I've told her that several times, but in Laura's mind, I've apparently become some kind of "Soullight master."

"Today I wanted to ask about how to use magic."

"Okay."

Laura's current abilities can be broadly divided into two types.

Healing magic to cure injuries. And barrier magic to protect herself and her allies.

While she has no offensive capabilities, Laura's Soullight greatly enhances these two types of magic.

Though Laura couldn't use magic until recently, when it comes to healing and barriers, she possesses abilities that exceed even the clergy serving in the church.

"A little while ago, Gil-kun got hold of a clergy textbook from somewhere…"

He probably swiped it from some church.

Gil doesn't hesitate at all to commit crimes against things he hates, like churches.

He despises things deemed "righteous," like royalty and the church.

"The methods are completely different from mine. I wonder if magic gained through Soullight has different sensations from other people's?"

"Yeah, it's different."

To begin with, her true nature isn't "healing."

The main heroine's power isn't something so simple and cheap.

"…"

I think for a moment.

I was vague when Rio asked me, but should I explain Soullight clearly to Laura?

In his case, I held back because it might affect future developments, but…

When you deepen your understanding of your own Soullight, it becomes easier to draw out its power.

However, that only manifests its strength when you're truly convinced of it yourself.

To use an analogy, being told the answer to a math problem is different from being able to solve it yourself. To truly draw out that power, you need a deep understanding of your Soullight.

"Laura, may I tell you my guess about the true nature of your Soullight, and the peculiarity of your magic?"

"Huh? Sure, but…"

To the puzzled Laura, I explained based on my knowledge of the original work.

"Laura's healing magic has a completely different process from normal healing. First, regular healing magic heals wounds by enhancing the person's natural regenerative abilities."

"Yeah, that's what the textbook said too."

She's studious.

I only learned this stuff through reading the manga I was into, so Laura is impressive.

Internally proud of my favorite, I continued.

"In contrast, your healing magic makes the wounded area return to its original state as if time had reversed—therefore, I deduce that your Soullight is 'Time Reversal.'"

"What!? 'Time Reversal'… is that even possible?"

"Your soul shines brilliantly, Laura. It wouldn't be strange if you could."

After all, even the final boss, who collects Soullights, is fixated on hers.

Laura's Soullight is among the strongest in the series.

It's just that she hasn't been able to demonstrate its true value yet.

"The brilliance of the soul… can you see that, Bloom-chan?"

"…"

No, I can't see it at all…

I just say it because it's convenient when talking about original work knowledge. It's mostly a lie.

Ugh, Laura's pure eyes are painful.

"… The Death God reaps souls."

When I gave a suitably vague answer, Laura's eyes sparkled. "That's amazing!"

The guilt is killing me…

"Back to the topic. Hypothetically, assuming your Soullight is 'Time Reversal.' Healing is partial time reversal. Your barrier is probably creating a severance in time to block attacks."

"A severance… in time…?"

Laura looked like she half-understood. That's reasonable.

Even I, explaining it, don't have a clear image. But I know she can do it.

"Anyway, try activating your magic with that image."

"Okay, I'll try!"

Her willingness to just try things even without fully understanding—that's one of Laura's good points.

"'Sacred wall, protect us.'"

Laura thrust both hands forward, and a semi-transparent barrier deployed in front of her.

"Huh, it feels like it went better than before!"

I nodded slightly at her pleased reaction.

"I'll test its durability."

I pulled out the 'Death God's Scythe' and struck it hard against the barrier.

When the scythe's tip struck the semi-transparent barrier, it bounced back as if it had hit marble.

"Whoa! Bloom-chan, what are you doing all of a sudden!?"

"Like I said, durability test."

"What if it hadn't held!?"

"I would have stopped short."

"That's scary!"

Well, I was confident this scythe wouldn't get through.

The 'Death God's Scythe' is something that severs life.

It's most effective against living bodies but powerless against inorganic objects like shields.

There's no reason the scythe could break through this barrier.

"If you can properly deploy a barrier like that one, no one can break through it head-on. Have confidence."

"Huh? Oh, thank you."

Laura looked surprised as she thanked me.

In the original work, her full-power barrier was never broken through head-on, not even once.

I wish Laura would have a bit more confidence.

 

＊　＊　＊

 

The Holy Kingdom—one of the continent's great powers.

At its center, in the Holy City, stood the Great Cathedral: the supreme institution of the Vanguard faith.

Beneath the Great Cathedral lay a secret chamber unknown to the public.

Cut off from all outside light, it was illuminated by countless candles, day and night.

Only the Archbishop, the supreme authority, knew of this place.

"—Father, it's almost time."

She was a woman of inhuman beauty.

Though her face could pass for her twenties, her speech was antiquated. Her crimson eyes gleamed brilliantly even in the dim underground chamber.

Before her gaze stood an ornately decorated coffin. There were several other coffins, arranged at equal intervals toward the back of the room.

"The blood reserves are at nearly eighty percent of the target. The magic circle preparations are also perfect."

Archbishop Milady was a vampire.

The last survivor of the vampires, who were supposed to have been exterminated in the great war three hundred years ago.

Lurking in the shadows of human society, surviving by drinking living blood, she had lived for over three hundred years since that war.

Her goal was the resurrection of her kin.

"And if I obtain that 'Time Reversal' Soullight, blood collection and magic circles will no longer be necessary."

Milady's Soullight was 'Seizure.'

An exceptional power that allowed her to temporarily use the Soullight of those she had drained of blood and killed as her own.

If she killed the owner of 'Time Reversal' and stole the power, she could reverse the time of the dead vampires and resurrect them.

Having researched Soullight handling for three hundred years, she believed she could do it.

She had learned about the 'Time Reversal' Soullight after its owner, Laura, had escaped from the Holy Kingdom.

Milady possessed a large-scale magical device in the underground chamber that could detect abilities used within the Holy Kingdom.

A 'Time Reversal' Soullight—something that hadn't appeared even once in three hundred years.

After confirming that reaction belatedly, Milady felt regret.

If it had been within the Holy Kingdom, she could have gone to capture the girl herself during the night.

As long as it wasn't under sunlight, Milady was confident she wouldn't lose to anyone on the continent.

But now that Laura was outside the country, Milady would have to rely on the church's agents. She had her own role to play in protecting the Great Cathedral.

The operation to capture Laura, the owner of the 'Time Reversal' Soullight, had already begun.

The recent capture attempt using the dispatched Black Priest had ended in failure.

Having sent elite Black Priests with full confidence, Milady's disappointment was considerable.

Securing 'Time Reversal' was the highest priority task for Milady.

Next time, she should send the strongest Black Priest currently available.

Milady flipped through the list of Black Priests and marked one man.

"Yes, he will do."

Black Priest Sixth Rank, Wall.

He was the wielder of an invincible barrier that severed space.

"Just a little more… just a little more, and the era of vampires shall return. An era where we gorge on living blood, command slaves, and reign as masters of this continent!"

 

＊　＊　＊

 

A dreamlike situation where I can talk with my favorites a lot. However, I've had a worry lately.

"Bloom-san, this was delicious, so please eat it!"

"… Okay."

Lately, Fren keeps giving me food at every opportunity.

It's always small-cut vegetables and other easy-to-eat things, so I can't refuse and end up eating them.

"Is it good?"

"It's okay."

Fren looks immensely satisfied when I eat.

Is this like… the satisfaction of feeding pigeons on the street? I want to watch Fren interact more with her other companions and get my fill of that, but she keeps insisting on fussing over me. That's been my problem lately.

"Bloom-san, shall we go out today?"

After confirming I'd finished eating, the smiling Fren said this.

"… Why don't you go with Gil instead?"

"I want to go with you, Bloom-san."

Damn, I wanted to observe my favorite ship going on an outing together…

Fren's shipping partner is Gil. This is non-negotiable.

"… Alright."

"Yes!"

When I reluctantly agreed, Fren showed a smile like a blooming flower.

Grrr… I want her to get along better with Gil.

My second favorite ship, Gil x Fren, is the type that gets closer in the latter half. At first, they fight quite often.

But I, wanting to consume ship energy as soon as possible, had been trying to help bring the two together.

Well, it hasn't been working at all, though…

Having given up, I walked outside alongside Fren.

Any fan of Souls Light Nobly would find this situation thrilling.

I'm happy too.

It's just that, from a shipper's perspective, I'd be even happier if Fren got along with other companions instead of me…

"Bloom-san, look! That hair accessory design is supposedly the latest trend in the Empire."

"Is that so?"

Fren pointed to a stall beside the cobblestone main street.

Colorful hair accessories were displayed at the storefront, with female customers lined up.

A shop with no connection to me. My self-image is still closer to male than female. Dressing up had never crossed my mind.

"You're really not interested in fashion, are you?"

"Not really."

If I were in Bloom's form, dressing up might make me look even better.

The face is good, after all.

But somehow, I couldn't bring myself to think about such things since this body doesn't feel like my own.

"I see… Then, since we're here, shall I pick something out for you?"

I was about to say it's fine.

But Fren's eyes were sparkling so much that I found it hard to refuse.

I'm way too weak to Fren's pushiness.

"Alright."

We approached the stall together.

The female customers' gazes gathered on us for a moment.

Heh, Fren is a beauty after all. It's only natural that she'd attract attention walking around the city.

"Doesn't your hair get in the way when you move around so much, Bloom-san?"

"Not really."

As long as I have the 'Death God's Eyes,' my vision is always clear.

Bloom's hair is long enough to lightly touch her back.

I have no particular attachment to it, but I've vaguely kept it at the original's length.

"Is that so? … Still, I think one hair accessory wouldn't hurt… what do you think?"

"… I never thought about it."

When I answered that, Fren looked a little sad. When I'm with her, she sometimes makes that face.

But she quickly returned to smiling.

"Then, let's try to find something you like!"

We looked at the hair accessories lined up on the display shelf. Honestly, I couldn't really tell the difference.

"How about this one?"

I tried on several that Fren suggested.

Watching my reactions, Fren would say "Hmm" and return to selecting.

After repeating this several times, Fren confidently held out one hair accessory.

"Then this… how about this one!"

It was a hair accessory shaped like a black flower.

Fren spoke cheerfully as she attached it to my head.

"As I thought, darker colors suit your silver hair better, Bloom-san. It also fits your image perfectly."

Prompted by Fren, I looked in the mirror set up in the store.

A delicate girl stared back at me with an expressionless face.

My eyes were strangely drawn to the single point of black amid the silver hair.

"… Not bad."

When I murmured that almost unconsciously, Fren smiled happily.

"Right!? Let's look at clothes next while we're at it!"

Wait, we're not done with just the hair accessory!?

 

＊　＊　＊

 

We arrived at a typical clothing store selling women's apparel.

"Fren has gotten used to going into commoner shops like this."

"Oh, come on! How long ago are you talking about? I'm not the same me from when we first met!"

When she was a noble lady, merchants would come to Fren's mansion.

Teaching her how to shop when we first met is a nostalgic memory.

Reminiscing about those days, we looked around the store.

After examining various candidates, I ultimately ended up being dressed in a white one-piece dress.

"Look, see?"

I was shown the mirror again.

Bloom in the white dress looked like a sheltered young lady.

The arms and legs peeking out from the dress were slender and long.

Over the dress, I wore a thin cardigan.

The soft clothes seemed to hide Bloom's overly slender figure.

Light makeup had been applied, making my face look healthier than usual.

Usually when I look in the mirror, I see a displeased face, but today it looked somewhat pleased.

"… Cute."

That voice slipped out involuntarily.

This was something I'd never been interested in before, but it might actually be enjoyable.

While looking at Fren's satisfied face through the mirror, I found myself thinking such things.

 

＊　＊　＊

 

Apparently, theater has become popular in the Empire recently.

Performances are held almost every day at the theater, and it's especially popular with couples.

Love stories seem to be the most common theme.

Hearing this, I had an idea.

If I give them tickets to this play, couldn't I get my favorite ship to go on a date…?

Once decided, action was immediate.

I promptly spent money to buy tickets.

Being popular meant they were expensive, but I endured the cost, thinking of it as an offering.

Hiding my inner excitement, I headed to Rio Glen with the tickets.

"Here, take these."

"Um, what are these…?"

"Theater tickets. Invite Laura and go on a date."

"What!? I-I can't just suddenly go on a date…"

Rio blushed and got flustered.

Hey, save that for Laura.

You two haven't had a chance for a proper date with everything being so hectic.

I hope this helps deepen your relationship.

"Anyway, here."

"Ah, wait—"

I pushed the tickets into his hands until he took them.

Once he reluctantly accepted, I gave him a thumbs up.

"Show her what you're made of."

"… Bloom is pretty forceful, huh."

You're only realizing that now?

 

＊　＊　＊

 

And on the day of the play.

After confirming that Rio and Laura had walked toward the theater together, I put on minimal disguise and headed toward the theater behind them.

Heheh… I bought three tickets total. Gave two to Rio and kept one to observe from behind! All according to plan!

The 'Death God's Eyes' can't see inside buildings, after all. This is part of my oshi activities too.

After confirming the two were seated, I took my own seat.

I'm about three rows behind them, so they shouldn't notice me.

There's a unique atmosphere in the theater before the performance.

The dimly lit interior. The audience speaks in hushed voices, engaging in sporadic conversations.

Laura leaned close to Rio in the seat next to her and started talking.

"I'm nervous since this is my first time doing something like this."

"Yeah, we didn't have this in our town…"

Perhaps Laura's whispered breath tickled his ear, as Rio squirmed slightly.

Seeing that, Laura let out a small laugh.

"Hehe, you somehow look more grown-up today, Rio. Is it because of the different clothes?"

"What!? Ha, haha…"

… G-go, Rio!

This is your chance to compliment Laura's outfit in the flow! Go gooo!

"Y-you look prettier than usual too, Laura."

"Huh… oh, thanks."

YEAAAHHH! Good job!

Laura turned away and mumbled her thanks, and Rio looked down, embarrassed by what he'd said.

Laura had asked Fren to accompany her shopping for clothes for this day.

She must be happy to be properly complimented.

Rio had also gotten advice from Gil and bought new clothes.

The way both of them were particular about city-style clothing was heartwarming. I crossed my arms and nodded approvingly.

Once the play began, the audience stopped talking and focused on the performance.

The basic storyline was about two people who overcome their difference in status to get married.

I watched the play while keeping my eyes on Rio and Laura's reactions.

For me, the romance between my favorite ship is the show I care about most.

Laura's eyes sparkled at the glittering romance on stage.

Meanwhile, Rio seemed to be enjoying watching Laura's reactions.

Ah, just seeing that made the tickets worth buying…

Gratitude…

"That was fun!"

"Yeah, it was."

Once they were outside the theater, Laura immediately started sharing her impressions of the play.

Rio nodded along while laughing.

And I was grinning behind them.

I'm glad the play was received better by Laura than I'd expected.

As for Rio, he basically loves Laura, so as long as she's satisfied, he's satisfied.

While I, as an otaku of my favorite ship, was privately basking in satisfaction at having contributed to their romance, Rio hesitantly spoke up.

"Um, so… I've reserved a restaurant for after this. Would you like to go together?"

"… Huh? … Oh, sure!"

What… that wasn't part of my plan…!

He was all flustered just getting invited to the theater, yet he went and arranged dinner on his own initiative?

Heh, not bad at all, kid. I crossed my arms and nodded deeply.

That's worthy of being Laura's partner. Stay married forever, you two.

The restaurant they arrived at, with Rio leading, looked quite upscale.

The closest image would be a French restaurant.

Beautiful glass walls. Table cloths spread on the tables, with knives and forks already placed.

The staff in proper uniforms were polite.

"This way, please."

The two were seated by a staff member who pulled out their chairs, sitting down nervously.

After bringing appetizers and water, the staff retreated to the back.

The two, who had been frozen with nerves, finally began to talk.

… By the way, I was watching them from outside the glass walls.

There happened to be some bushes in a perfect spot, so I was hiding there.

From an outsider's perspective, there was absolutely no excuse—I was clearly a suspicious person.

"Laura, is it good?"

"Huh…? Ahaha, I might be too nervous to taste it."

I can read it… I can read it…!

At this distance, I can understand the conversation through lip reading!

While I was trembling with emotion in the bushes, their conversation continued.

"Nervous, yeah. My heart was pounding when I came to make the reservation too."

"Ahaha! Knowing you were nervous too makes me feel a bit better, Rio."

While they were having such conversation over appetizers, the staff brought out other dishes.

"I was feeling like you were going somewhere far away today, so I'm relieved."

"Far away?"

Laura gazed into the distance as she traced the rim of her glass.

That gesture seemed so mature that Rio blushed slightly.

"You took me to so many places I didn't know, right? Even though we grew up seeing the same things, I felt like you're already changing."

"—I-I feel the same way, you know."

"Huh?"

When Laura's eyes widened, her earlier mature air dissipated.

"When I see you with clothes and accessories I don't recognize, I feel inexplicably unsettled. So today I wanted to stretch myself a bit and catch up to you, Laura."

"…"

Hearing Rio's words, Laura stayed silent with widened eyes for a while.

Eventually, she laughed cheerfully.

"Ahah… ahahaha! So that's it. We really are alike after all, aren't we?"

"Haha, yeah."

After that, something seemed to change about the two of them.

From that subtle tension to being their usual selves.

Generally speaking, for a date, maybe some tension would be better.

But for those two, that atmosphere suited them better.

Two childhood friends born and raised in the same place. There's a distance and rhythm that belongs only to them.

… So precious.

Hidden in the bushes, I was moved all by myself.

 

＊　＊　＊

 

With their respective weapons in hand, Riogren and Gil faced each other.

Rio held a wooden sword the same size as the two-handed sword he usually used.

In contrast, Gil held a dagger with a dulled blade, about half the size, in one hand.

Non-lethal weapons for training.

But the atmosphere was completely serious.

"Come!"

"Hah!"

At Gil's command, Rio charged forward and brought the raised wooden sword down on him.

The strike, enhanced by his Soullight, had enough power to seemingly crush armor.

But Gil skillfully deflected it with his dagger and quickly delivered a kick.

"Guh…"

"Your brute strength is commendable, but you're too predictable! Be more creative!"

The battle-experienced Gil gave Rio advice.

Rio nodded with a serious expression and slashed at Gil again.

… Ah, classic male-female pairings are great, but I quite like same-sex interactions too.

I was watching the two train with my presence concealed.

Riogren and Gil have quite a bit of interaction in the original work too.

Rio, having just left his hometown, doesn't know many things, and the experienced Gil often gives him advice.

Not just combat like now, but also consulting about presents for Laura.

Despite his cynical behavior, Gil apparently can't leave the straightforward Rio alone.

He takes care of him like a big brother.

"Hah!"

"… That's it, keep it up!"

Gil deflects Rio's two-handed sword swings with just a dagger in one hand.

Impressive swordwork. Gil is overwhelmingly superior in technique.

I watched their exchanges for a while.

Though their expressions were serious as they faced each other, they also seemed to be enjoying themselves somewhere.

Male friendships are nice, I couldn't help but think.

Since coming to this world, I've barely interacted with anyone.

About ninety percent of that is because Bloom's body is hopelessly unsuited for socializing.

Always emanating an eerie atmosphere, brusque and sparse with words.

There's no way I could make friends, and I've always been alone when earning money as an adventurer.

… Well, with Bloom's specs, I have no trouble fighting alone.

"—Alright, let's take a break."

"Sounds good."

The two who had been sparring sat down next to each other and began their break.

While catching their breath, they chatted leisurely.

I'm a little envious.

Sometimes I want to talk normally with male friends too.

I want to laugh at stupid dirty jokes.

Usually, I strictly discipline myself with an iron will that one must not come between a ship, but maybe this time it's okay?

Rio and Gil aren't a ship—they're just friends, companions.

If that's the case, wouldn't it be safe to chat a little?

"Rio's brute strength still makes my hands go numb. You could work as a demolition worker, couldn't you? You could probably smash a shack with your bare hands."

"What do you think I am, Gil!?"

"Haha! But still, in combat, no matter how strong you are, it's meaningless if you can't hit. Experience with tactics and mind games is definitely necessary."

"That's true…"

Watching Rio think while drinking water, Gil continued.

"Your Soullight is powerful. But the more cards you have, the better. Someone who keeps you at a distance, someone who outclasses you in technique, someone who attacks with magic. If you can't deal with them, you can't protect what needs protecting."

When he mentioned what needs protecting, Gil's expression was unlike his usual self.

A complex mix of emotions—nostalgia for a distant past and endurance of pain.

"What needs protecting… yeah, thanks Gil."

What Rio was thinking of was probably Laura.

Being able to work tirelessly for her sake is one of his virtues.

Silence fell between the two for a while.

Perhaps Gil was remembering old times. Surely, he had many things from the past that he couldn't protect.

While watching his state, Rio spoke up.

"When I asked Bloom before how to become stronger, she told me to 'face my own soul.' I've been thinking about it since then, but I still don't understand how to do it."

Huh, are they maybe talking about me?

Could this be my chance to join the conversation…?

"Ah, maybe you shouldn't take advice from a genius type, someone with different sensibilities than others? The feel of handling Soullight differs from person to person. With Bloom's unusual Soullight especially, it wouldn't be strange if her senses were different from others."

"Unusual Soullight, huh…"

I stopped concealing my presence and approached the two. My heart was pounding.

"Yeah. My gut tells me… hers is the type that only activates with a massive demerit. People who use that kind of power usually die young. Especially Bloom's Soullight—"

"—Are you talking about me?"

""Uwaaahhh!?""

I excitedly spoke to them and both of them screamed at me…

"W-we didn't sense you coming, so you startled us…"

"Really?"

I tilted my head at Rio's words.

I hadn't been hiding my presence toward the end, though.

"I thought I was going to be killed."

"Why?"

Gil had leapt back about three steps and was already in a combat stance.

That reaction makes me sad, you know…

Hmm, I tried to join the conversation but startled them and interrupted it.

Is it really impossible for Bloom's body to have normal conversations with male friends?

In the end, I slunk away so as not to disturb their training any further.

Damn… so making friends really is impossible for me, huh…